Luke 1:39-80 ~ Songs of Hope
The second half of the first chapter of Luke's gospel records two songs of hope: Mary's Magnificat and Zechariah's Benediction. These are songs reflecting the fulfillment of the angel's words. In verse 39, we see Mary rushing to visit Elizabeth to confirm that Elizabeth is pregnant, as informed by the angel. It was at this point that the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy (verse 44). But more significant of this incident perhaps is Elizabeth's acknowledgment of Mary as mother of my Lord in verse 43. As for Zechariah, the foretelling by the angel that his wife would bear not just a child but specifically a son came to be fulfilled. It is with much wonder that Zechariah was suddenly able to speak after nine months of being mute the moment he indicated that his newborn son should be named John as instructed by the angel. In both cases, we see how Mary and Zechariah praised and glorified God as a God of promise through their songs.
On closer observation, the issue of salvation also surfaced through these songs. People are:
Saved from:
- v52: being 'nobodies'
- v71: our enemies and all who hate us
- v74: hand of our enemies
- v77: sins (forgiven)
Saved for:
- v74: serving God
- v75: living in righteousness
- v79: way of peace
Saved by:
- v47: God my Saviour
- v49: He who is mighty
- v51: He who has shown strength with His arm
- v52: He who brought down the mighty
- v69: He who has raised up a horn of salvation for us
Saved because:
- v54: of remembrance of God's mercy
- v72: to show mercy promised to our fathers
- v78: of God's tender mercy
God acts to fulfill His Word. While nationalistic Israelites may expect the Messiah to politically save their nation (and conversely, materialistic Gentiles may expect Jesus to bless them with physical riches and luxuries), the true way Jesus Christ saves His people is by dying on the cross and rising again three days later in order to forgive their sins (Luke 24:44-47). For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20).
What is your song of hope?
On closer observation, the issue of salvation also surfaced through these songs. People are:
Saved from:
- v52: being 'nobodies'
- v71: our enemies and all who hate us
- v74: hand of our enemies
- v77: sins (forgiven)
Saved for:
- v74: serving God
- v75: living in righteousness
- v79: way of peace
Saved by:
- v47: God my Saviour
- v49: He who is mighty
- v51: He who has shown strength with His arm
- v52: He who brought down the mighty
- v69: He who has raised up a horn of salvation for us
Saved because:
- v54: of remembrance of God's mercy
- v72: to show mercy promised to our fathers
- v78: of God's tender mercy
God acts to fulfill His Word. While nationalistic Israelites may expect the Messiah to politically save their nation (and conversely, materialistic Gentiles may expect Jesus to bless them with physical riches and luxuries), the true way Jesus Christ saves His people is by dying on the cross and rising again three days later in order to forgive their sins (Luke 24:44-47). For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20).
What is your song of hope?
Labels: Australia, Christianity, Luke
posted by Shih Ying GUN (Jane) @ 6:10 PM
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